Longevity
Life expectancy
Its life expectancy is generally between 12 and 14 years, which is satisfactory for a dog of this size. Suitable activity, a balanced diet and regular veterinary follow-up help to maintain this longevity.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its solid constitution and its history as a working dog explain its good overall resilience. It tolerates exertion and cold climates well, provided it benefits from a lifestyle consistent with its physical needs.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Monitoring should mainly focus on the locomotor system and on a few congenital anomalies sometimes observed in the breed. Serious screening and rigorous breeding remain essential to limit the risks.
Hip dysplasia: A joint malformation that can cause pain, limping, and osteoarthritis in the more or less long term.
Elbow dysplasia: An elbow condition that can disrupt locomotion and promote early joint wear.
Cryptorchidism: Failure of one or both testicles to descend must be identified early and monitored by a veterinarian.
Umbilical hernia: This congenital abnormality is often benign, but it must be evaluated to decide between simple monitoring or correction.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The East Siberian Laika tolerates the cold very well thanks to its abundant undercoat and its Nordic dog build. On the other hand, it tolerates high heat less well and must be spared in summer, with shade, fresh water and activities during the most temperate hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Weight gain is not a major problem in this breed when it expends enough energy. However, it remains important to adjust portions to the dog's actual activity and to regularly monitor its body condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have the hips and elbows checked in case of lameness or locomotor discomfort.
- Monitor the condition of the ears, eyes, teeth and paw pads after outings.
- Maintain regular veterinary follow-up even for a dog that appears very robust.
Vaccination
East Siberian Laika vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a East Siberian Laika need? Like all dogs, East Siberian Laikas should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial East Siberian Laika vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult East Siberian Laika booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your East Siberian Laika need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy East Siberian Laika
Screening of the hips and elbows is recommended, particularly in breeding dogs and young dogs from lines to be monitored. Regular veterinary examinations also help to detect early any possible congenital abnormalities.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
